Full Name: Ian Cilliè

Position: MD of SKF Southern Africa

Main Activity of the Company: SKF Southern Africa provides engineered solutions, specialising in bearings, seals, mechatronics, power and transmission and mechanical services through SKF South Africa and lubrication and fire suppression systems through Lincoln South Africa

Date and Place of Birth: 1970, Cape Town

Education: BA (law), University of the Witwatersrand; MBA, Milpark Business School

First Job: Trainee manager

Career History Prior to Current Position: Not stated

Size of First Pay Packet: Hardly enough to survive on – but it came with a small company car

First Job with Present Group: MD

Value of Assets under Your Control: R600-million

Number of People under Your Leadership: 290

Management Style: Participative and decisive

Personal Best Achievement: Not stated

Professional Best Achievement: Current position

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My farther, John, who managed a variety of companies without losing the personal touch with employees and customers

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: None

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Sir Edmund Hillary

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Elon Musk

Philosophy of Life: Walk with integrity

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Managing the SKF Southern Africa team

Biggest Ever Disappointment: I do not dwell on negatives

Hope for the Future: A South Africa that our children will be proud to call home

Favourite Reading: I love my Kindle; on it, you will find a variety of topics: history, crime, autobiographies, and so on

Favourite TV Programme: RT News, History Channel

Favourite Food/Drink: Sushi/ South African red wine

Favourite Music: Sting

Favourite Sport: Running and mountain biking

Favourite Website: None

Hobbies: Camping, 4 X 4 vehicles and scuba

Car: Toyota FJ Cruiser

Pets: Two Labradors – black and golden

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Unethical business practice

Favourite Other South African Company: Joy Global

Favourite Foreign Company: Tesla

Married: To Denise, for 22 years

Children: Tyla, 21; Bronwyn, 19

Clubs: Virgin Active